They're not underrated in this house - both Micky (my husband) and I are big fans of the band, especially their wonderful Death Walks Behind You (and In Hearing of is none too shabby either). I also reviewed Death... some time ago, and you're welcome to read what I had to say about it.

I certainly wouldn't call them underrated, especially compared to most prog bands. Atomic Rooster is one of those bands I can play at work (used CD store) and almost every time, somebody gets excited that I'm playing it. Mostly knowing someone my age, 26... not too young but still, rocks the rooster.

I have always felt Rooster to be underrated. They have been astounding me with their music for decades, and they are just as good as the really big names, in some cases better(than Yes, Genesis and Pink Floyd) There is an inimitable way that they combine keyboard and guitar, and Paul Hammond was always a really capable drummer. That such a great band is underrated is not surprising, really-this kind of thing happens a heckuva lot in the music business.It is a shame.

My favorite will always be 'In Hearing Of". Pete French who later sang with Cactus, was my favorite singer with the band. The entire album has consistency in the area of writing. Now that I'm older, I have a difficult time enjoying "Death Walks Behind You". There is a piano improvisation solo on the track "Breathless" from Made In England which just blows me away! Vincent Crane's left hand syncopation on that solo is just flippin' beautiful. He really didn't have many complimenting viewpoints about Keith Emerson in the Heavy Soul bio booklet. It may have had more to do with Atomic Rooster losing Carl Palmer to ELP. Vincent Crane may have been emotionally charged over that experience, who knows? I have read up on his interest in witchcraft and if what the books say is true, then it explains a great deal about his creativeness in composing dark rock songs with errie atmospheres. It was a plus for sure. The errie sounding piano was jazzy and rock out with darkscape progressions. Lucifer's Friend came close to that level of writing on "Where the Groupies Killed the Blues" but Vincent Crane ruled the kingdom as far as I'm concerned.

I remember going the distance and purchasing Headline News and various other titles. Some tracks were actually very good. Maybe not as consistent like the early titles but worthy for a listen. The first album I did not prefer because of the vocalist. However, the piece...."Winter" which is sung by Crane is very reminiscent of an old Gentle Giant tune. He sings a bit like Shulman and with the writing style of the song, it could almost be placed on the self-titled Gentle Giant album. Though Atomic Rooster were very original in style.

My favourites are the ones with John du Cann. In the late 1980s in downtown Ottawa, Canada, i happened upon Made In England guitarist Steve Bolton-in a business suit and with a briefcase. It was a shocker-in Ottawa!! He looked in a hurry to go somewhere, so i did not introduce myself-something i will always remember, though.

My favourites are the ones with John du Cann. In the late 1980s in downtown Ottawa, Canada, i happened upon Made In England guitarist Steve Bolton-in a business suit and with a briefcase. It was a shocker-in Ottawa!! He looked in a hurry to go somewhere, so i did not introduce myself-something i will always remember, though.

I really love Death Walks Behind You, but have to admit, I've never heard any of their other output, even though I first heard DWBY 15 years ago. Recently bought a remastered version to replace the LP I used to have of it, and other albums are on my future purchases list though. Where should I go next?

I can understand your anger at me, but what did the horse I rode in on ever do to you?

We have their debut (the one with Carl Palmer), and DWBY. I used to have In Hearing Of too (which is also very good), but the album disappeared mysteriously - together with a few others - during the voyage from Italy to the US .

^Hey Raff, since we both share the same taste for Coverdale/Hughes era Deep Purple, I'm sure you'll pretty much enjoy Atomic Rooster's Made in England and Nice n' Greasy, they're even funkier than those from Deep Purple, but still very rewarding.

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